Reaching Into THEIR Future Pt. 1 | Pastor Nate Ruch | 11 AM

Name: Reaching Into THEIR Future Pt. 1 | Pastor Nate Ruch | 11 AM
Uploaded: 2026-02-16T07:09:00.000Z
Duration: 3 h 40 min 3 s

Worship and Celebration of Faith

Introduction to Worship

Good morning greeting and invitation to worship the King of kings, emphasizing a collective spirit of praise.

Life in the Spirit

Discussion on living in the Spirit, highlighting themes of freedom, joy in surrender, and hope for the future. The lyrics express confidence in God's promises.

Emphasis on the presence of God's spirit within believers, encouraging participation through singing and dancing as expressions of faith.

Joyful Expression

Repeated affirmations about walking in the Spirit and experiencing true life through faith; an invitation to celebrate this joy collectively.

Acknowledgment of gratitude for God’s presence during worship, reinforcing community engagement through music and movement.

Baptism Celebration

Recognition and celebration of individuals being baptized as a testament to their faith journey; encouragement for continued worship amidst this significant event.

Singing About God’s Goodness

Introduction to a song expressing love for God’s mercy and faithfulness throughout life; personal reflections on divine guidance during challenging times are shared.

Lyrics emphasize that all life experiences reflect God's goodness, with repeated declarations celebrating His unwavering support.

Surrendering to God’s Goodness

The theme of surrender is highlighted as participants sing about laying down their lives before God; an expression of trust in His goodness running after them.

Affirmation of Faithfulness

Reiteration that throughout all circumstances—good or bad—God remains faithful; an invitation for attendees to focus on Jesus during worship moments is encouraged.

Worship and Invitation to Faith

The Holiness of God

The speaker emphasizes the holiness of God, repeating phrases like "You are holy" and expressing a sense of divine presence with lines such as "Breathing word of God."

There is an open invitation for all nations to come together in worship, highlighting inclusivity in faith.

The repetition of "Jesus is coming" serves as a call to action for believers, reinforcing hope and anticipation.

Declaration and Praise

A strong declaration is made about Jesus' power and authority, encouraging the congregation to shout praises for freedom, healing, and salvation found in Him.

Gratitude is expressed for the hope provided through Jesus, particularly during baptism celebrations which signify declarations of faith.

Welcoming Guests

A warm welcome is extended to both online participants and first-time guests at the service, aiming to create a family-like atmosphere.

Guests are encouraged to connect through various means such as QR codes or cards available in the venue.

Next Steps in Faith

The speaker discusses taking next steps in faith, including opportunities for water baptism as part of following Jesus’ teachings.

An invitation is made for newcomers to join Grow Track classes starting soon, aimed at fostering connections within the community.

Worship Through Giving

As hosts prepare for offering collection, scripture highlights God's provision as a source that meets needs abundantly.

Emphasis on tithing reflects dedication to keeping God at the center of financial stewardship while acknowledging His role as provider.

Generosity and Community Engagement

The Importance of Generous Giving

Emphasizes the significance of keeping money in the right place within our hearts to prevent it from overshadowing God.

Acknowledges the church's commitment to honoring God through faithful giving, particularly via Kingdom Builders, highlighting collective efforts to address real-world needs.

Prayer for Provision

A prayer expressing gratitude for God's goodness and provision, asking Him to receive gifts and sustain every household represented in the congregation.

Introduction to New Series

Announcement of a new message series titled "Reaching Into Their Future," with an emphasis on its experiential nature beyond Sunday services.

Encouragement for congregants to engage in discussions about principles learned during the series through group connections over five weeks.

Group Participation Invitation

Invitation for those without a group to join a super group meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for discussion and prayer.

Book Release Celebration

Excitement surrounding the release of Pastor Nate's book, which encapsulates his insights over decades.

Special promotion: family bundle sale today only—one book for $15, two for $25, three for $30—available in specific lobbies.

Community Impact and Youth Engagement

Celebrating Recent Conversions

Acknowledgment of over 100 individuals who gave their lives to Christ during Super Sunday, celebrating this significant spiritual milestone.

Call to Pray for Youth Revival

Announcement of "Avalanche," a youth camp aimed at teenagers; urging the church community to pray and fast for revival among the next generation.

Engaging with Faith Together

Series Overview: Reaching Into Their Future

Introduction of today's message title as part of a six-week journey focused on influencing others positively within various spheres (family, friends, work).

Group Dynamics Encouragement

Stressing that faith should not be limited to passive observation but actively shared within relationships; encouraging participation in groups as essential for life change.

Special Mention: Involvement from Incarcerated Individuals

Recognition that 60 inmates will participate in studying the same material concurrently with Emmanuel Church members, fostering unity across different environments.

Faith Foundations: Hebrews Chapter 11

Exploring Heroes of Faith

Reference made to Hebrews chapter 11 as "the faith chapter," discussing notable figures from the Old Testament who exemplify faith.

Encouragement Through Faith in Hebrews

The Purpose of Hebrews

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage individuals facing severe persecution, instilling courage by reflecting on the faith of their forefathers.

Abraham is highlighted as a key figure, often referred to as the "father of faith," due to God's promise that he and his descendants would bless the world.

Abraham's Promise

God promised Abraham that he would have a son, which he held onto for many decades until he was very old when Isaac was born.

Isaac is recognized as the son of promise, representing hope and fulfillment of God's word.

Isaac's Blessing

In Hebrews 11:20, it states that by faith, Isaac blessed his sons Jacob and Esau with promises for their future.

The Message version emphasizes that Isaac acted in faith by reaching into the future while blessing his sons despite being blind at that moment.

Spiritual Vision Beyond Physical Limitations

Despite being physically blind, Isaac looked beyond immediate appearances and circumstances to bless Jacob and Esau.

This act illustrates the importance of seeing with spiritual eyes rather than just physical ones; true vision involves understanding potential beyond current situations.

Understanding Blessings

A biblical blessing can be likened to pouring out what is within oneself onto others; it signifies sharing one's inner goodness or divine essence.

By choosing to bless Jacob and Esau based on faith rather than their present actions, Isaac demonstrated a profound understanding of grace and potential.

Personal Reflection on Legacy

Family Background Influence

The speaker shares about their grandfather Roush’s challenging upbringing in a dysfunctional family environment marked by instability.

Growing up in difficult conditions led Roush to experience anger and confusion regarding his parental figures.

Overcoming Adversity

As a child without proper bedding, Roush used a toy box as his bed—a metaphor for how limited circumstances could define one’s future if not transcended.

Many people inherit limitations from their backgrounds; however, through Jesus' influence, these limitations can be overcome.

Transformation Through Faith

A pivotal moment occurred when Roush attended a church revival meeting where he encountered Jesus and experienced profound personal transformation.

Although saved, Roush still grappled with past dysfunction but sought to follow Jesus amidst ongoing struggles with anger.

The Impact of Military Service

Finding Structure in Life

Serving in World War II provided Roush with much-needed structure and discipline which contributed positively to his mental peace.

Parenting Style Influenced by Experience

Upon returning home from military service, Roush raised his children—including the speaker's father—using strict military-like methods due to unresolved anger from his past experiences.

Understanding Generational Faith and Transformation

The Struggles of First Generation Christians

The speaker addresses first-generation Christians who may feel burdened by past experiences, suggesting they might still carry remnants of their previous lives.

Hope for Future Generations

Emphasizes that the struggles faced do not have to define future generations; perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.

Personal Family Journey

Shares a personal story about the speaker's father, who dealt with perfectionism stemming from military upbringing, impacting his parenting style.

A Pivotal Moment of Repentance

At age 11, the speaker recalls a transformative moment when his father repented for not being the best dad, marking a significant change in their family dynamic.

Breaking Chains of Anger

Highlights how the father's repentance broke generational chains of anger, allowing the speaker and his siblings to grow up without those burdens.

Personal Challenges Despite Supportive Environment

The speaker reflects on his own struggles during high school despite growing up in a supportive church environment, indicating that individual faith journeys are essential.

Unexpected Spiritual Encounter

During an unplanned church gathering due to logistical issues on a trip, God moved powerfully among the youth group, leading to unexpected worship and spiritual awakening.

God's Kindness Leads to Repentance

The speaker describes experiencing God's overwhelming love during worship which led him to repentance; this moment was pivotal for many in attendance.

Impact of Prayerful Community

Attributes the revival experience not just to individual transformation but also to years of prayer from family members and community members supporting them spiritually.

Legacy of Faith Across Generations

Discusses how his family's commitment to faith has influenced subsequent generations, emphasizing that one person's decision can impact many others' futures.

Human Nature's Self-Centeredness

Concludes with an observation about human nature's tendency towards self-centeredness and hints at further discussions on communal relationships.

Taking a Picture: A Reflection on Selfishness

The Nature of Self-Interest

The speaker initiates a discussion about taking a group picture, highlighting the instinctive behavior of looking for oneself first in photos.

This behavior is framed as a reflection of human selfishness, suggesting that we often prioritize our own interests in various aspects of life.

Cultural Values and the Gospel Message

The speaker critiques societal values that emphasize fame and self-promotion, contrasting this with the message of Jesus which focuses on seeing others rather than seeking personal recognition.

Reference to Philippians 2:3 emphasizes humility and considering others as better than oneself, reinforcing the idea that true fulfillment comes from serving others.

Relational Blindness

Many individuals experience "relational blindness," failing to recognize the potential in those around them, including family members and friends.

The speaker poses reflective questions about how one perceives loved ones through Jesus' eyes, encouraging deeper understanding and compassion.

Perspective Shift Through Lenses

Personal anecdote about struggling with vision serves as a metaphor for how one's perspective can change when viewing people through different lenses.

Emphasizes the importance of recognizing potential in others beyond their current circumstances or failures.

Belief in Others

Encourages listeners to reflect on who has believed in them throughout their lives, highlighting the impact of encouragement from mentors or figures like parents or coaches.

The speaker reassures listeners that they have value within God's kingdom and emphasizes God's enduring love for each individual.

God’s Enduring Love

Concludes with references to Psalm 136, reiterating themes of gratitude towards God whose faithful love lasts forever.

God's Faithful Love and Our Limitations

The Nature of God's Love

The speaker emphasizes that God's faithful love endures forever, highlighting His unwavering support during our weaknesses and struggles.

Reference to 2 Peter 3:9 illustrates God's patience; He desires everyone to repent rather than face destruction, showcasing His loving nature.

Examples of Imperfect People God Uses

A list of biblical figures with flaws is presented, including Moses (stuttered), David (affair), and Paul (murderer), demonstrating that God uses imperfect individuals for His purposes.

The speaker notes that God does not judge based on human standards or past mistakes but sees potential in everyone despite their shortcomings.

Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Faith

Satan's accusations about unworthiness are contrasted with Jesus' affirmation of worth through the cross, emphasizing the importance of focusing on divine grace rather than past failures.

Encouragement to embrace a deep love for God can lead to being used by Him regardless of personal history or limitations.

Seeing Others Through God's Eyes

Four ways to see what God sees in others are introduced, starting with accepting how God views oneself and receiving His love and forgiveness.

Remembrance of God's goodness helps combat negative self-talk from the enemy regarding past actions.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

Emphasizes the need for inner work to receive God's love fully in order to extend it to others effectively.

Asking God for spiritual insight into others encourages a shift from frustration towards compassion in relationships.

The Importance of Repentance

Repentance is framed as an ongoing process necessary for spiritual growth, akin to washing clothes regularly. It requires honesty about one's faults and a commitment to change.

True repentance involves recognizing selfish perspectives towards others and moving beyond mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing toward genuine transformation.

Understanding Repentance and Humility

The Nature of True Repentance

True repentance involves a commitment to change one's behavior rather than merely feeling sorry for past actions. It emphasizes the importance of moving away from old habits.

Acknowledges that some individuals may have only known wrong ways of living, highlighting God's grace in allowing time for learning new paths.

Embracing God's Perspective

Encourages followers to adopt a perspective aligned with God's view of humanity, inviting the kingdom of God into their lives.

Suggests putting on "Jesus' lens" to understand how He perceived and interacted with people during His time on Earth.

Following Christ's Example

Asserts that true followers of Christ should strive to emulate His attitude as described in Philippians 2:5, which calls for humility and selflessness.

Highlights Jesus' choice to relinquish divine privileges and take on a humble human form, emphasizing obedience even unto death.

Cultivating Humility in Relationships

Stresses the importance of humility in interactions with others, particularly when faced with criticism or frustration.

Reminds listeners that pointing fingers at others often reflects back on oneself; encourages adopting an attitude similar to Jesus when dealing with difficult relationships.

Legacy of Prayer and Influence

Shares a personal story about the speaker's grandfather who exemplified faith through prayer and service despite health challenges.

Describes how the grandfather prayed fervently for family and team members, demonstrating a focus beyond his own struggles towards their futures.

Passing the Baton of Faith

Reflecting on his grandfather’s final words about completing his race, the speaker acknowledges the responsibility now lies with him to continue this legacy.

Emphasizes reaching into others' futures through prayer and support, recognizing it is not solely about personal growth but also uplifting those around him.

Call to Action

Invites listeners to engage actively in praying for their families and communities as part of their spiritual journey.

Promotes resources (books), encouraging attendees to share insights gained from them as tools for evangelism.

Engaging with God’s Purpose

The Importance of Engagement

Emphasizes the necessity of engaging with the material presented, highlighting that it is not essential to read a book before joining a group. The focus is on participation for the benefit of others.

Personal Responsibility in Relationships

Stresses that individual engagement is about what God intends to do through each person in their community, urging attendees to recognize their unique role.

Unique Influence and Connections

Encourages participants to visualize their personal connections by picturing photographs of people in their lives, emphasizing that these relationships are entrusted to them by God.

Praying for Others

Highlights the responsibility individuals have to pray for those in their lives, suggesting that many may be struggling or distant from faith but still hold significance in one's life.

Lifting Up Names in Prayer

Invites participants to actively pray for specific individuals, asking God for blessings and restoration within those relationships over a 30-second period.

Seeking Restoration Through Prayer

Asking for Divine Intervention

Participants are encouraged to pray fervently for positive changes and blessings in the lives of loved ones, including requests for healing and restoration where needed.

Community Blessings

A prayer is offered asking for God's kingdom and will to manifest positively in people's stories, promoting themes of forgiveness and renewal within families.

Worship as a Response

Singing Together as an Act of Faith

Transitioning into worship, participants are invited to sing "The Blessing," which encapsulates themes of divine favor and blessing upon individuals and communities.

Affirmation Through Song

The lyrics emphasize God's grace and peace being extended across generations, reinforcing communal ties through shared worship experiences.

Invitation to Relationship with Jesus

Acknowledging God's Love

Reminds attendees that despite personal struggles or distance from faith, God's love remains constant; Christ's sacrifice was made while humanity was still imperfect.

Call to Action: Surrendering Life

An invitation is extended for anyone wishing to commit or recommit their life to Jesus. Attendees are encouraged to raise hands as a sign of desire for change.

Leading a Prayer of Commitment

A simple yet profound prayer is provided as guidance for those seeking transformation through faith; it emphasizes surrendering one’s life fully to Jesus.

This structured approach captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps linked directly back to relevant sections.

Prayer and Blessings for the Week

Invitation to Prayer Teams

The speaker invites prayer teams to be available at the front of the room and back of the balcony, emphasizing their role in supporting individuals who have committed their lives to Christ.

New believers are encouraged to receive a Bible and prayer as part of their spiritual journey.

Final Blessing

A communal gesture is encouraged where attendees place hands on each other's shoulders, symbolizing unity and support as they look towards their futures together.

The speaker prays for divine favor, asking God to bless relationships and grant insight into seeing others through a kingdom perspective.

Flow of God's Blessings

The prayer extends blessings from God throughout various aspects of life—home, school, work, and recreational activities like pickleball.

There is an emphasis on divine anointing that enables success in endeavors that may not typically succeed without such intervention.

Strength Through Joy

The speaker concludes with a reminder that "the joy of the Lord would be our strength," reinforcing a positive outlook for the week ahead.

An affirmation is made with "amen" from the congregation, followed by encouragement to take home a book.